Introducing A Unique And Peculiar New Take On The Tradition Of Burns’ Night

Burns’ Night is known for many things: the tribute to renowned, radical poet Robert Burns, the ceremonious supper and ‘Address to the Haggis’, the spellbinding sound of bagpipes, but this Burns’ Night, there will be one other curious addition – Hendrick’s Gin.
Confirming our firm belief that beyond the bagpipes, the neeps and tatties, this day should mean something much more monumental, Hendrick’s UK ambassador, Ally Martin, will be spending his January 25th on the weird and wonderful ‘Voyage of the Black Haggis’. The voyage is intended to be a celebration of the unusual, allowing curiously minded individuals to gain a true appreciation for the peculiar – but oh so important – ritual of Burns’ ‘Address to the Haggis’ and its resemblance to the rituals behind the gin martini.

As Martin prepares for his journey, the passionate Scot explains: “Burns’ work stands as a testament to the story of an ordinary Scotsman – albeit with a unique and radical style – that still rouses the passion of our little nation. The ritual of the mythical ‘Address to the Haggis’ is something I’ve always wanted to perform. This voyage is a brand new exploration of how gin can be wonderfully merged with the Burns’ celebrations, with spectacular results.”

Hendrick’s is uniquely able to offer a peculiar twist to toast Robert Burns. Infused with rose and cucumber, Hendrick’s is distilled in the Scottish village of Girvan – a stone’s throw away from Burns’ birthplace, Alloway.

Martin’s arduous but illuminating voyage will start out in Edinburgh, and zig-zag its way down to London via Leeds and Manchester. Each city will be treated to an inimitable event including a Hendrick’s Haggis – a marvellous creation, crafted by Dram & Smoke, that takes the humble haggis and adds the magic of Hendrick’s botanicals.

The Voyage of the Black Haggis Manchester
25 January, 3.45pm-4.45pm: Press and On-Trade guests welcome at Epernay (Unit 1a, Great Northern Tower, Watson St, Manchester, M3 4EE)
Guests will be able to enjoy a Burn’s lunch of

v Haggis Hot Dog with Rose, Cucumber & Elderflower Jelly, Caraway Mustard & Crispy Neeps

v Haggis Scotch Egg with Hendrick’s Ketchup & Cucumber Mayo

v Haggis Sausage Roll with Irn Bru & Elderflower Chilli Jam & Juniper Mustard